“Burned out? Me? Nah. That can’t be. You’re only burned out if you’re sick of your job. I love my jobs. There’s no way I’m burned out.”
Yeah, can you say DENIAL!
Over the last 9 months I’ve discovered what being “burned out” looks like for me. Working 2 (sometimes 3 jobs), volunteering @ church, and trying to prepare for the race has left me completely, 100% burned out. There were days I wanted to say “Screw it!” and just abandon everything. To hop in the car and drive as far away as I possibly could. But then there were days that I’d look at the kids & people surrounding me, and wonder how on earth I could ever want to leave.
And for the last 9 months, I’ve been stuck there, floating awkwardly in-between blissful content & a mental breakdown.
Because let’s be honest, I’m just not cut out for those 65hr work weeks + volunteering + missions preparation. And despite how much I love the people I work with, how much I adore my students, and how thankful I am for that employee discount (Thank you Jesus!!) – it’s just not working. I’m about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of my life and yet … I’m sitting here staring blankly at the wall.
I’m done, I’m empty. There’s nothing left to give, and heaven knows how I managed to survive these last few months without a proper recharging. (Props goes to everyone who consistently pulls off 60+ hr workweeks! You’re incredible)
But wait – isn’t the whole point of this mission trip about sharing the truths I’ve discovered with other people? How can I share what I have … if I don’t have anything left? How can I have the strength and endurance to make it through these 11 months, if I’m starting out empty? How will I be able to face the trials & challenges that come my way, if getting out of bed each day is already a major challenge?
Simple. I can’t.
After finally realizing this back in March, I had to take a step back and reexamine my life. Where could I cut back? The answer was simple, I just didn’t like it. However, when preparation for the World Race AND my devotional time with God begin to take a back seat to my current work load – something needed to change.
So today, was my last day at REI. And while I’m sad to see that part of my life end, I know that it served its purpose, and that I’ll always be welcome back. Plus, now I have time to plan fundraising events, design t-shirts, create a WR video, get that Yellow Fever shot (!!), practice packing & setting up my tent, and oh you know – perhaps the occasional camping trip to help break in the new gear. 🙂
But before I can throw myself into full on fundraising mode, I know that I’ll need to take a few days to recharge. It’s time for me to spend some time with God, cross some things off the to-do list, catch up on sleep, and to sit down and rest for more than 5 minutes at a time.
After all, that’s the only way I’ll ever be ready for this trip. By slowing down, eliminating stress, and filling myself up on the word and God’s truths.
So get ready guys, as of June 1st I’ll be back in action AND I’ll need YOUR help! There are loads of ways you can still get involved, but here are 11 of them to get you started 🙂
NEEDS
1. $500 till 1st deadline – DUE JUNE 3rd
2. $200 transportation to Training Camp – June 7th
3. $5,000 needed to launch in August with my squad ($12,000 to be fully funded)
4. $450 Yellow Fever Vaccination – July 15th
5. $500 transportation to Launch – July 25th
6. New Laptop – For sharing updates/videos/pictures from the field
7. PRAYER!
8. Monthly Supporters
EVENTS / FUNDRAISING
10. Family Bowling Night + Silent Auction – June *Details Coming Soon
11. Molly’s Going Away / Birthday BBQ Bash – July 31st
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